Showing 9 results for Moral Courage
Somayeh Mohammadi, Fariba Borhani, Mostafa Roshanzadeh,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (9-2014)
Abstract
In the nursing profession, moral distress is a challenge thatc an have different consequences. The nurses’ moral courage to make the right decision can play an important role in the prevention of moral distress, and thus promote moral comfort. The present study examined the relationship between moral distress and moral courage in nurses. In this study, 313 nurses from hospitals in southern Khorasan Province were selected through quota sampling, and Corley’s Moral Distress Scale and the Professional Moral Courage Scale by Sekerka, et al. were used for data collection. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics. The findings showed a significant relationship between the intensity of moral distress and moral courage (P = 0.03, r = - 0.44). From a range of 0 - 5, the mean of moral distress was 3.7 ± 0.5 in terms of intensity, and 3.55 ± 0.86 in terms of frequency. The mean score of moral courage was calculated at 3.33 ± 0.46 from a range of 1 - 5.The significant correlation between moral distress and moral courage strongly suggests that high levels of moral courage in nurses can play an important role in controlling moral distress. Determining the factors that create moral courage and developing strategies and circumstances such as promoting an appropriate moral climate could play a major role in encouraging moral behavior and controlling moral distress.
Roghaye Mahdaviseresht, Foroozan Atashzadeh-Shoorideh, Fariba Borhani, Hmad Reza Baghestani,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (9-2015)
Abstract
Nurses nowadays are faced with complex moral problems, which put them in conditions where their proper performance may conflict with the values and beliefs of other health care providers. In such situations, maintaining commitment to patients requires considerable moral courage, and moral sensitivity can play a significant role in the development of moral courage. The present study was performed to investigate the correlation between moral courage and moral sensitivity of the nurses working in selected hospitals of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.In this study, 260 nurses were selected by randomized sampling. Data were collected through a demographic questionnaire, the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire by Han et al., and the Professional Moral Courage Scale by Sekerka et al. Content validity and face validity of the moral sensitivity questionnaire and moral courage scale were qualitatively investigated, and Cronbach's alpha was used for assessing their reliability. Data were analyzed by descriptive and analytic statistical tests using SPSS 21.The results indicated that the average score of nurses’ moral courage was 90.36 ± 10.56, and the highest moral courage pertained to the dimension of moral agent. The average score of the nurses’ moral sensitivity was 60.99 ± 17.78, and the highest moral sensitivity was observed in the dimension of respect for the patient. The statistical analysis indicated a positive correlation between moral courage and moral sensitivity (P < 0.05, r = 0.15). The subjects’ moral courage differed according to their age, work experience and employment type, but not according to their gender, marital status, education level and work shift. The results of the present study indicate that there is a positive and significant statistical correlation between moral courage and moral sensitivity. It seems that promoting nurses’ awareness of moral principles and increasing their moral sensitivity lead to the development of courageous moral behaviors in nurses.
Mohammad Aminizadeh, Mansoor Arab, Roghieh Mehdipour,
Volume 10, Issue 0 (3-2017)
Abstract
Nurses in the intensive care unit face a variety of ethical issues that can lead to moral distress. Nurses need moral courage for correct moral performance in a state of moral distress. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between moral courage and moral distress in nurses. The descriptive-analytic study of correlation type which aimed to investigate the relationship between moral courage and moral distress in nurses. A total of 310 nurses from special units of educational hospitals in Kerman were selected by census method. The tools Sekerka's moral courage and Corley's moral distress were used to collect data. Data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical tests of SPSS version 24. Mean score of moral courage of nurses was 42.71 ± 9.67. Moral courage was the highest in moral agent. The mean of moral distress was 56.03 ± 18.21 and the most moral distress was in the dimension of errors. There was a significant and negative relationship between moral courage and moral distress (R = -0.166; p = 0.003). Moral courage was different in position, type of department, and marital status. Moral distress differed only from type of department. The results of study indicated a significant and negative relationship between moral courage and moral distress. Strengthening the moral courage of nurses plays an important role in controlling and reducing moral distress. Therefore, nurses can reduce their moral distress by reinforcing moral courage and, instead, increasing the quality of care for patients.
Hamid Khajevandi, Abbas Ebadi, Akbar Aghaiani Chavoshi, Morteza Khaghanizade,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (3-2020)
Abstract
Moral courage is the ability to overcome fear and performing the right action based on moral beliefs despite the potential danger. Nurses, as moral agents, need moral courage to properly manage moral problems and make a professional commitment to patients. Therefore, the above study was conducted to investigate the moral courage of nurses and related factors. In this descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 2019, the research population was all nurses working in Baqiyatallah Hospital. After explaining the objectives of the study and obtaining the consent of the research, 220 nurses were selected as available samples. The data collection tool was Sadooghiasl questionnaire. After completing the questionnaire, they completed 187 sample questionnaires. SPSS software was used to analyze the data. The results of the study showed that the mean score of nurses' moral courage was 413.37 with a standard deviation of 46.70. Thirty percent had moderate moral courage and 69.5% had high moral courage. The results of the independent T-test and ANOVA showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between the variable employment status and the moral courage of nurses. Considering the results of this study and the many ethical challenges that exist in the nursing profession, the issue of moral courage and related factors and providing solutions to improve it, should be at the forefront of the health organization and nursing managers.
Khadijeh Nasiriani, Mojghan Barati Kahrizsangi, Seyede Elham Fazljoo,
Volume 14, Issue 0 (3-2021)
Abstract
The ethical climate in hospitals can influence nurses' ethical decisions. In other words, in the hospital where the nurse cannot use his moral courage, the patient's rights and interests are gradually ignored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between perception of ethical climate and moral courage of nurses working in hospitals affiliated to Shahid Sadoughi University of Yazd in 2019. This was a descriptive-analytical study. A total of 204 nurses working in hospitals affiliated to Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Yazd were included in the study by census sampling. Data were collected using demographic questionnaire, Professional Moral Courage (PMC), and Hospital Ethical Climate Survey (HECS) and analyzed by SPSS 18 software. The results showed that the mean score of ethical climate (3.35 ± 0.62) of 5 and the mean score of moral courage was 56.37 ± 5.46 out of 75. There was no significant relationship between ethical climate and moral courage (P≥0.05). Of demographic characteristics, gender had a significant relationship with the mean score of ethical climate (<0.05), but other demographic characteristics did not have a significant relationship with ethical climate and moral courage (>0.05). Considering influence of environments supporting nurses’ moral courage on optimal care to patients, development of plans by managers to promote nurses’ moral courage can lead to beneficial effects.
Morteza Javanmardi , Seyede Elahe Karimipour , Zahra Bakhshizadeh , Mohammad Hossein Taklif, Negin Farid,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
Moral courage, encompassing the ability to act ethically in the face of adversity and uphold ethical principles, is crucial for nurses. This systematic review aimed to investigate the factors influencing moral courage among nurses. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using keywords such as "moral courage," "ethics," "nurses," and "courage" in major databases, including PubMed/Medline, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, Google Scholar, Irandoc, SID, and Magiran. The search included publications in both English and Persian with no time limitations. After excluding duplicates and screening the initial 2577 studies, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. The review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews, ensuring ethical considerations were maintained throughout the selection, extraction, and analysis processes. The review revealed that moral courage in nurses is influenced by a multifaceted array of factors. Individual factors such as age, gender, work experience, and type of employment (e.g., permanent vs. temporary) were found to influence moral courage. Higher education, particularly possessing a master's degree or higher, and participation in medical ethics training were significantly associated with increased moral courage. Ethical sensitivity, defined as the ability to recognize and appreciate ethical dilemmas, was a significant facilitator of moral courage. A supportive work environment, characterized by factors such as strong ethical leadership, open communication, and adequate resources, was found to positively influence moral courage. Conversely, ethical distress experienced in challenging clinical situations can negatively impact moral courage. This review demonstrates that moral courage among nurses is influenced by a complex interplay of individual, professional, and environmental factors. Enhancing moral courage requires a multi-pronged approach, including strengthening nursing education with a robust emphasis on ethics training, fostering a supportive and ethically sound work environment, and implementing strategies to mitigate ethical distress. These interventions can significantly contribute to improved clinical practice and enhanced patient care.
Ali Akbari, Alireza Arman, Alireza Nikbakht Nasrabadi,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
Moral courage is essential for intensive care unit (ICU) nurses to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and advocate for patient rights. Despite its importance, the factors that influence the expression of moral courage remain poorly understood. This review aims to identify key predictors of moral courage in ICU nurses, offering valuable insights to enhance ethical decision-making and improve patient care in critical care settings. This review followed the Cochrane systematic review principles and adhered to PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using both English and Persian keywords related to "moral courage," "ICU nurses," and "predictors." International databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched, along with grey literature from Google Scholar. No time frame restrictions were applied. Inclusion criteria included observational studies that focused on predictors of moral courage in ICU nurses, while studies such as clinical trials, reviews, opinion pieces, and those lacking primary data were excluded. Two authors independently screened and extracted data, resolving discrepancies through consensus with a third author. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess study quality, and relevant data were systematically organized into an extraction table. A total of 136 articles were initially identified, with 24 observational studies included after screening. The final selection consisted of 4 cross-sectional studies and 8 cohort studies. Key predictors of moral courage in ICU nurses were identified, including age, gender, professional experience, ethical training, and workplace support. Older and female nurses were more likely to demonstrate moral courage, while nurses with more years of experience and formal ethical training exhibited a stronger ability to confront ethical challenges. Additionally, a supportive work environment and personal ethical beliefs were found to significantly influence the likelihood of nurses advocating for patients and addressing unethical practices. These findings emphasize the importance of both individual and organizational factors in fostering moral courage. This review identifies age, gender, professional experience, ethical training, and workplace support as significant predictors of moral courage in ICU nurses. These findings highlight the critical role of individual characteristics and organizational support in promoting ethical behavior and moral courage in critical care settings.
Reza Abdollahi, Haleh Ghavami,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Due to the inherently demanding nature of their profession, nurses face significant job-related stress that can adversely affect their lives and the quality of nursing care. Moral courage may serve as a key factor influencing occupational stress among nurses. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the relationship between moral courage and occupational stress among nurses. This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 with 120 nurses from emergency departments of educational and therapeutic hospitals in Urmia, Iran, who were selected via two-stage sampling. Data were collected through a demographic information form, Sekerka’s Moral Courage Scale, and Gray-Toft and Anderson’s Nursing Stress Scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA in SPSS software version 23. The results showed the mean scores for professional moral courage and occupational stress were 85.93 ± 15.68 and 10.77 ± 0.23, respectively. Moreover, there was a significant negative relationship between moral courage and occupational stress in nurses (r = -0.33 and P< 0.05). Specific dimensions of moral courage, such as moral factor, threat tolerance, and moral purpose, had a significant negative effect on occupational stress (P< 0.05). These findings suggested that moral courage plays a significant role in mitigating occupational stress among nurses, which can influence their performance and, consequently, the quality of nursing care. Therefore, by fostering an environment that promotes moral courage, nursing managers can play a vital role in decreasing and mitigating the occupational stress experienced by nurses as well as enhancing the quality of care.
Samaneh Fallah-Karimi, Zahra Khalilzadeh-Farsangi, Azizollah Arbabisarjou, Fatemeh Etemadinia,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Nurses working in intensive care units are frequently exposed to complex ethical issues and difficult decision-making, placing them at high risk for moral injury. Such injury can negatively affect their professional performance and mental health. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore the relationship between moral injury and moral courage among nurses working in intensive care units. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024. The study population consisted of 150 nurses working in intensive care units. Data were collected through Sekerka’s Moral Courage Questionnaire and the Moral Injury Symptom Scale for Health Professionals. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and the independent samples t-test via SPSS software version 22. The findings revealed a significant inverse relationship between moral injury and moral courage (r = -0.64, p < 0.001). Moreover, moral courage levels were higher among registered nurses compared to nurses in the compulsory service program. Besides, a direct relationship was observed between age and moral courage, suggesting that moral courage increases with age. The results of this study highlight the importance of designing and implementing effective educational programs to reduce moral injury and promote moral courage among this group of nurses.
